NEW ORLEANS– Galatoire’s has hired Chef Phillip Lopez to lead the kitchens of both Galatore’s Restaurant and Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak.
Chef Lopez, well-known in New Orleans and around the U.S. for the level of talent he possesses, has spent a significant amount of his career working with nationally recognized chefs, but has chosen to make his home in New Orleans. His keen sense of New Orleans cuisine and creativity will be a great fit in the Galatoire’s kitchens.
“Galatoire’s is the best place in New Orleans for a chef to showcase their traditional training and the creative side of their culinary personality,” said Melvin Rodrigue, chief executive officer and president of Galatoire’s. “Chef Lopez has the talent and vision for sustaining what has made Galatoire’s successful for nearly 115 years. He understands the established approaches and techniques at Galatoire’s that are central to what our guests enjoy. He matches that with an absolute passion for sourcing the best local ingredients and creating the experience our guests deserve.”
“As soon as I step into the Galatoire’s kitchen, I will dedicate myself to Galatoire’s cuisine and the stewardship of maintaining the traditions and experiences we have all grown to love and cherish about Galatoire’s and Galatoire’s ‘33’,” said Lopez. “When chefs around the country come to New Orleans, I always bring them to Galatoire’s. I want them to experience the main dining room and see how our cuisine is encompassed in what Galatoire’s puts on a plate. Now I get to do that every day, taking something great and making it greater, while continuing to care for the people who bring Galatoire’s to life.”
Chef Lopez comes to Galatoire’s with more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef, Creative Director and Owner of six culinary concepts around New Orleans including Root, Square Root, The Test Kitchen, Petit Lion and Monkey Board. Previously, Lopez spent time at Restaurant August and Michel Richard’s Citronelle in Washington, D.C.
Chef Lopez was selected after an extensive search. He will assume his new position as executive chef in September.
For more information on Galatoire’s, click HERE.